Lilydale to Mt Evelyn 6.9 k, Mt Evelyn to Wandin 5.4 k

The last train to Warburton ran on Sunday 1st August 1965. The original line with the first train leaving on the 13th November 1901 began at Lilydale and ran for 37 kilometres (23 miles), stopping ten times before reaching its destination of Warburton. This line operated for both passenger and goods services. During the 1970’s the railway line was dismantled and in 1996 the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail was established. The trail starts at the far end of the Lilydale Railway Station Car Park. There are three access points to the Lilydale oval and the little white bridge across the Olinda Creek.

Walking along the edge of the ovals takes you to a small sign that directs you over the little bridge and to the left. From here the trail follows the Olinda Creek for a short distance to a crossing on Beresford Rd.

Once across Beresford Rd, large olde world charm signs show the path of the trail. From here the trail that skirts Mt Lilydale Mercy College is the only part of the trail that doesn’t follow the original route as a small tract of the old railway line is leased to the College. The original line begins again at a steep uphill grade on the southern side of the college.

In 2011 a bridge across busy Maroondah Highway was finally installed making the trail true to the original rail line and far safer for trail users.

The rail trail meanders parallel to roads, past back yards and through patches of bushland.

Approximately 1 1/2 kilometres from Mt Evelyn the Owl Land reserve track forks off to the left through carved ‘totem’ poles. For an interesting side trip this trail can be followed for 440 meters through to Hereford Rd.

Once reaching Mt Evelyn the trail passes behind the old railway station building. During the 1990’s the old station house was converted into the towns library and extra rooms added for a cafe and community space.

Just past the station is a reconstructed platform with stoic conductors waiting for the next arrival. Large wagon wheels along the base of the platform give a small history of the train line and settlement of Mt Evelyn. From the boards I learnt that in 1954 a special train carried Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh through Mt Evelyn on their way to stay at O’Shannassy Lodge. Further along on the opposite side is more history of the area with painted boards done by local schools and organizations.

From here the trail crosses busy York Rd but unlike the Aqueduct Crossing further down York Road, this is a safe crossing with pedestrian lights. Six Hundred metres from this crossing is the second busy road crossing, also with pedestrian lights.

This is a beautiful part of the walk, the mountains often present in the distance. The rail trail dips in and out from Clegg Rd though mostly it is through beautiful tall timbers.

At Bailey Rd a bridge crosses high over the road and Stringybark Creek.

More beautiful bush

On Warburton Highway at Wandin right next to the trail where the trail crosses the highway is a bus stop. – very convenient. A bus was to be my return journey back to Lilydale. I checked the time of the next bus. At this time of day the buses ran hourly and there was a bus due in 4 minutes. I decided to forgo the extra 330 metres to the Wandin Station as this would be the starting point for the next leg of my Warburton Trail walk.

Across from the bus stop a Rotary Rotunda on the Warburton Trail.

Total walk 12.3 kilometres

From my home it is not far to the start of the Mt Evelyn Aqueduct Trail. The trail begins behind the bus stop near 246 Swansea Rd. It begins with a huge uphill climb, over a rough unmade track that looks like it doubles as a fire break. The trail is a 7 kilometer walk so I thought it would make for a nice 14 kilometer return walk. This is the full distance of the walk from Swansea Rd, Mt Evelyn to Hunter Rd, Silvan. Starting at Swansea Rd the first 200 meters uphill to Johns Crescent feels a lot further.

Crossing over Johns Crescent the path through to West Hill Drive becomes a bitumen path and the stroll uphill gentle. There are green Yarra Ranges signs showing the path of the trail along its full length.

Once over West Hill Drive the trail becomes a man made natural path. The walk is now picturesque, varied and flat.

The scenery broken by splashes of colour.

And bonus the entire walk is dog friendly.

Before reaching York Rd there is a fork on the trail. The left branch leads to the Mt Evelyn Shopping Centre where there are toilets, cafes and a supermarket. Continuing to the right the trail crosses York Rd, the only major road crossing on the trail. This road at times can be extremely busy and there is no pedestrian crossing here. Johns Crescent to York Rd 1.5 kilometers.

Once across busy York Rd the path narrows slightly which gives a more natural feel to the walk. This section of the trail to where it runs to a fork on the path which leads to the Warburton Trail is the busiest part of the trail with walkers, runners and cyclists.

and always with beautiful vistas.

From here I found the trail to be confusing and the only area where there were no signs or maybe I just missed them. I was unsure of where to go here. Checking the map later I could see that the trail to the left led to the Warburton Rail Trail and turning to the left onto the Rail Trail the path led back into Mt Evelyn. The fork to the right passed a parks gate so that is the one that I took.

Even if it was the wrong path the beautiful tree ferns made the walk worthwhile.

The path led to an intersection with a couple of dirt roads. I could see Joy Ave Kindergarten and knew that the trail passed by there somewhere but still no signs. I asked a couple of women walkers and they indicated that the trail went to the left of the kinder. I thought maybe if I had taken the other path it would have contained the signs that I had been looking for and my walk would have been less confusing. Well I guess, win some, lose some. Once at the road in front of the kinder I could see on the far side and to the left a green sign. Brilliant. York Rd to Joy Avenue 1.2 kilometers.

After a short walk I came out behind the Mt Evelyn Primary School car park and after another short walk this time along the side of Monbulk Rd, I crossed Watkins Crescent. From here the trail went bush again and became a serene, sun dappled walk with the occasional hum of not to distant traffic.

This area is the small Watkins Crescent Reserve and it was the nicest part of the walk so far.

The trail quietly wound its way through the small reserve

on a two man track

The trail now followed Monbulk Rd but at a distance. Nearly at Priestly Crescent and I came across this delightful stop. A Book Swap Library and below cutely painted free pet rocks and small tubes of curly leaf parsley for $2 a tube or free if you couldn’t afford the $2. I decided to pick one up on my return journey. I wasn’t too sure how I would handle it all with my camera and dog lead. I really needed a third hand.

Arriving at Priestly Crescent the trail seemed to cross the road and continue uphill but there was no sign. I scanned the area and across the road to the right about 50 meters down there was a half hidden sign. The trail began again on the bend in the road opposite this old garage. From Joy Avenue to Priestly Crescent 2.2 kilometers.

The trail ran between and behind the row of properties on Priestly Crescent. I followed it down to the cross street but there was no sign. I retraced my steps to the Parks gate I had passed. I had missed the small post sign with an arrow pointing to the left.

From here the last of the old open aqueduct began. After all of the recent rains moss covered water remained in the bottom of the aqueduct and fallen trees and branches lay across it. The walls of the aqueduct were still in good condition considering its years of abandonment.

The aqueduct was first built in 1911 to bring water from the O’Shannassy Reservoir to the Surrey Hills Reservoir, over a total distance of 82 kilometers. The section going through Mt Evelyn – except for the short distance adjacent to the railway line – was in an open concrete lined channel. This cut the town of Mt Evelyn in two. From what I can understand the aqueduct was widened in 1933 and the only section that remained as an open aqueduct was this section from Priestly Crescent to Hunter Rd. The rest was converted to underground pipe. In 1972 the Mt Evelyn Aqueduct was decommissioned.

On the right side of the trail the landscape dips down dramatically into a valley with tall slender timbers, ferns and fern trees and on the left above the aqueduct the high side of the mountain rises as equally dramatically.

It was all beautiful and truly the best part of the walk.

At times there were crossing mostly now overgrown and no longer in use where the open aqueduct went underground to give access to properties along it length. Most of them were now disused and very overgrown. This beautiful part of the walk was approximately 1.8 kilometers.

And at this time of year the tree ferns majestic with their new growths unfolding upwards. A very rewarding walk.

Zig zagging through local streets is a favourite journey of mine. There is always something unexpected to find. Starting from home today with David in tow we walked the local streets to the Fairfield Boathouse. This amazing front yard is totally photo worthy.

We walked through Johnson Park

which was in full colour and on a perfect sunny day full of activity.

The lawns were lush and green with scatter rugs of dandelions. I was tempted to stop and make a daisy chain like the ones made during the idle summer days of my childhood.

After reluctantly leaving Johnson Park it wasn’t long till we crossed over Heidelberg Rd and turning left we came to Fairfield Park and playground.

Down through the park with paths and steps of bluestone

we were led down towards the Yarra River.

We passed the Amphitheatre which to my astonishment was built in 1985. It looks so much older. It was designed to hold 500 and modelled on the Epidavros Theatre in Southern Greece. Bluestone rescued from Northcote gutters and laneways was used to build the theatre, hence giving the theatre its centuries old look.

Continuing on down we arrived at the Fairfield Boathouse and Tea Rooms. The Fairfield Boathouse has an interesting history. It was built in 1908. When John St Clair originally decided to build the boathouse he had to obtain approval from the Yarra Bend Hospital for the Insane as the site of the boatshed was to be built on their grounds. In 1915 after several troubled years with Crown Bailiffs over building permits the Heidelberg Council bought him out. Canoe carnivals and open air carnivals were common in Fairfield until the 1950’s when boating popularity declined. The building became derelict and during the 1980’s it became a home for squatters and possums. In 1985 Paul Van Der Sluy won the tender to restore the boathouse. It took 30,000 hours of meticulous work to rebuilt and restore it to what it is today. A step back in History.

Continuing on after a leisurely coffee at the tea house

we crossed across the pipe bridge where I had a week or so ago had my major oops moment.

Looking back at the Fairfield Boathouse from the Pipe Bridge

we walked towards the Chandler Rd Bridge for our return journey. This time we took the middle path with the Yarra visible for most of the walk. After a bit of rain the track which is very popular with mountain bike riders was slushy and slippery often with large puddles of muddy water.

After crossing back over the Chandler Bridge we took a diversion once again through the local streets. The local streets in Fairfield were alive with colour.

and old world charm

Our leisurely walk, 11 kilometres for the day.

From Thornbury it is a 5 K walk to Chandler Bridge. Just for a bit of variety from Darebin Rd I walked in a zig zag pattern though the surrounding streets past All Nations Park and the Rubie Thompson Reserve onto Separation St then onto Grange Rd which leads to Chandler Bridge.

From the beginning of the walkway across the old Railway Bridge a steel stairway leads down to the Yarra. It begins just behind the bicycle sign on the right. From here paths run in both directions on the low side of the Yarra.

Chandler Highway that runs across the Chandler Bridge has a full length of less than 2 kilometers. It begins at Heidelberg Rd and ends 1.9 K later where it becomes Earl St. It lays a claim to being the shortest Highway in the world.

I turned right along the wide path that ran close to the river. It was a very picturesque and easy walk and seemed to be a favourite with runners.

Beautiful gums edged the river

At the end of this short walk a small area with sculptures of native animals.

In among what appeared to be a small planting of native grasses a natural shelter.

Returning back along the path to the Chandler Bridge gave me a different view of the walk.

The original Chandler Highway Bridge was completed in 1891. The supervising engineer was John Monash who later became Sir John Monash. The Railway bridge over the Yarra was completed in 1890 and formed part of the Outer Circuit Line. Once completed the bridge was considered at the time to be one of the most extravagant ever build by the government. It only operated for a short time with its total closure in 1927.

After crossing the bridge I walked to the left on the bike friendly steel walkway down to the Yarra Trail and turned back to the left to go under the bridge and walk along the high side of the Yarra River opposite the bank I had just walked.

The bridge with its beautiful red brickwork pillars is one of the few remaining 19th Century bridges in the Metropolitan area.

Artwork adorns the entrance of the tunnel under the new bridge and forms part of the Main Yarra Trail.

While the Main Yarra Trail runs for a distance along Yarra Boulevard there are two trails that run closer to the Yarra. I chose to walk on the trail that ran along the high side of the Yarra and at times along the cliff face. I wouldn’t recommend this trial in wet weather but today it was beautiful.

The trail started as a wide path but didn’t remain that way for long.

A group of teenagers enjoying a chilly dip.

The original Fairfield Pipe Bridge was built in 1878 to carry water from the Yan Yean Reservoir to Kew. It was washed away in the floods of 1934 and replaced by the bridge now standing. The original pylons which remained after the flood have been demolished so no trace of the original bridge remains. This narrow bridge is for foot traffic only.

And this is where my intended walk went wrong. Forgetting that I needed to cross the bridge for my return journey home I walked it length and back again. The hand drawn map that I had with me, in the end was of no use. I followed the Main Yarra Trail back up along a road but I didn’t know where I was. I was then totally stunned when I realised that I was back at the Chandler Highway Bridge. Oh well at least I was no longer lost.

Home again this time via Grange Rd and Darebin Rd for a total of 15 kilometers. A nice day out.

The Olinda Creek trail is only a short walk but combined with the Hull Rd Wetlands and Lillydale Lake it is an interesting and popular walk. The trail for a large part runs between the Olinda Creek and Swansea Rd. My starting point is the Swansea Rd service road opposite Birmingham Rd intersection with Swansea Rd.

From here the trail winds its way towards Hull Rd then taking the trail to the left at the little bridge across Olinda Creek it turns towards the mountains and the York On Lilydale.

The first half of the walk is very much rural with beautiful stands of gums lining the creek. The area is surrounded by farmland.

The last part of the walk is more open and grassy with a nice view of the mountains. The trail ends at a bus stop on Swansea Rd opposite Marne Rd. It is approximately a 2 k walk one way. After walking the 2 k back again I crossed the little bridge across Olinda Creek which led onto Hull Rd and onto the Wetlands. I cross at this unofficial crossing point just left of the Olinda Creek Wetlands sign and cross the grass onto the trail around the wet lands.

Looking across the Hull Rd Wetlands back towards the mountains.

The walk is a dog friendly area and once at Lillydale Lake there are two dog off lead areas.

From the Hull Rd Wetlands the trail follows Olinda Creek past the closed off Platypus Conservation Area and onto one of the dog off lead areas. Here there is a boardwalk across the Lillydale Lake Wetland which at the moment is undergoing reconstruction.

Man made Lillydale Lake was opened in 1990. It was designed and constructed to prevent future flooding after the floods of 1984. It is a much loved recreational area for barbecues and picnics. Small yachts can be seen on the water along with kyakers and model boats. Swimmers paddle in the sandy beach and fisherman fish from designated areas. There is a water park play area and playground with the 3 k path around the lake, popular with dog walkers and runners..

The remains of two old brick walls stand like pillars on the shoreline at the far right corner of the lake closest to the dog off lead area. They are the remains of Cashins Flour Mill which was built in the 1850’s to mill grain that was normally shipped to Melbourne. After a few bad years of drought, insect attack, floods and rust the mill ceased production in 1876.

At the far end of the Lake the area that runs along Olinda Creek is a very popular dog off lead area. It now has night lighting and a Flintstones play area at the further end. Just past the play area is the cut through to Box Hill TAFE and Lilydale Community Library.

Returning home via the Wetlands after completing a circuit of the lake I came across the new community of Spoonville.

After an early lunch I left home on a very dull, misty late morning. It wasn’t long until I was at the start of Hoddle St and I turned left and followed Hoddle St around walking under the Heidelberg Rd overpass, past the Clifton Hill railway station and down Hoddle St as this was the most direct way to MSAC – Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Center- in Albert Park. Not having a great sense of direction, the easier is the better for me and even then I often get lost. Walking on from the station and across at the first cross road is Darling Gardens.

Even in its’ winterscape it is a lovely garden with paths leading to a pretty central rotunda. Several tree lined paths criss cross the Gardens, the remaining areas are beautifully manicured lawns. The Gardens have an unusual history. It was first reserved for public use in 1863. At various times in the 1860’s and 70’s it was leased for grazing and used for the dumping of night soil. The Gardens were often used for fetes, music and sporting events up until 1907 when a community tree planting effectively changed the use of the gardens.

From the Darling Gardens the Shot Tower still stands tall.

Walking diagonally across the Gardens, then left onto Gold St over Noone St and left onto Alexandra Parade brings you to the Shot Tower. The 263 ft – 80 metre – tall shot tower was built in 1882 to manufacture lead shot on what was then known as Reilly St. The tower was operated by the Coops family who also operated the Shot Tower now located within Melbourne Central Shopping Center. They are both listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. After visiting the Shot Tower it is an easy walk back to Hoddle St by continuing down Alexandra Parade.

A surprise was St Philips Vicarage a beautiful building built in 1867. To the right of the Vicarage, St Philips Church was built of bluestone in 1865. In 1969 the church deemed to be unsustainable by the mainly local working class congregation of Collingwood, was demolished. The site became the small Collingwood Town Hall Reserve. The Vicarage built in the Gothic Revival structure is now considered to be of local historical importance.

At the rear of the reserve between the Vicarage and Collingwood Town Hall are two beautiful wall murals.

Along he path on the right hand side of the reserve are a series of tiles made by local primary school children after they visited an aged care facility. It is a shame that the tiles are falling into disrepair.

The Collingwood Town Hall is beautiful inside and out. Inside it has been modernised but it still retains a lot of the original charm and character.

Collingwood Town Hall

A random mural on a wall in Hoddle St.

At Wellington Parade, Hoddle St ends and Punt Rd begins. Continuing down Punt Rd and over the maze of railway lines at Richmond Station I walked through Goschs Paddock with a view across to AAMI stadium. The first match held at the stadium was a Rugby League International in 2010. The stadium has won acclaim and awards for its architecture, engineering, construction and viewing experience.

In the 1870’s Goschs Paddock was known simply as the Cow Paddock. Around the turn of the century the land was leased to William Gosch as a holding area for his transport company’s horses.

While crossing Morell Bridge the view across the Yarra of the city half hidden in the clouds was one of the true natural highlights of the day

My thoughts were that it would be nice to stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens on my way to MSAC. All I can say is that I should have known better. After wandering in many directions and becoming more confused I saw a sign for gate C and hoping it would pop me out onto a road, somewhere not to far from where I wanted to go, I headed that way. At least luck was with me there and somehow I made it to Albert Rd Drive and the Peter Norman statue which was my intended destination. And the statue didn’t disappoint.

A life sized statue of Peter Norman stands proudly near the entrance of the Melbourne Sports Centers Lakeside Stadium. At his feet a fresh bunch of native blue gum leaves and delicate pink flowers. On his back fittingly his number was 111. A plaque tells his story and a photo shows his story. On his left chest he wore a badge in solidarity that read Olympic Project For Human Rights.

In 1968 at the Mexico Olympics Peter Norman won a silver medal in the Mens 200 metre track in a time of 20.06. An Australian record that still stands. He was the third man on the podium during the infamous black power salute of Tommie Smith and John Carlos.

In 2005 San Jose State University, USA erected a statue of Smith and Carlos depicting their famous gesture. It was Peter Norman who suggested that his place on the podium be left empty so that others could stand in his place in solidarity. Truly an inspirational man.

Leaving this incredible history behind I walked the 300 metres to Clarendon St and then the 3 k’s to Boundary Rd in Port Melbourne for my ride home. Approx. 15 k for the day.

Early winter and the early part of restrictions and it made for a peaceful walk. I left home on a chilly afternoon for a walk into the city. I am not a winter person but for walking the cooler weather definitely has its own rewards. From my starting point at the corner of Darebin Rd and High St it is approx 3 k and 30 minutes to the start of Hoddle St at Clifton Hill. From that intersection, there are a variety of ways I can walk. Today I continued down Queens Parade and followed the tram tracks around to the left into Smith St and across Victoria Parade to the Fitzroy Gardens, another 3.5 k and 35 minutes.

A stroll through the Gardens starting at the River God Fountain at the roundabout walk on Albert St is relaxing and interesting. The River God Fountain is a beautiful and impressive sculpture by Charles Summers who was Victoria’s most important sculptor of the time. Originally erected in 1862 it was the first fountain in the Fitzroy Gardens.

Where the garden’s winter landscape was barren, large garden beds of daffodils and jonquils added a beautiful splash of winter colour.

Cooks cottage, one of the most famous attractions in the Gardens. In 1933 the house was bought by Russell Grimwade and donated to Melbourne. At Great Ayton in North Yorkshire it was deconstructed and packed into 253 cases and 40 barrels for shipping. Cuttings of the ivy which grew on the house in Great Ayton were also taken and replanted once the house was re-erected in Melbourne.

There are over 20 attractions in the Gardens. The miniature model Tudor village built by Edgar Wilson and donated in 1948, the Fairies Tree carved by Ola Cohn and finished in 1934, the Dolphin Fountain, Diana and the hounds and many more. There is a conservatory and many little tracts of gardens within the Gardens. A beautiful place to spend some time.

Near the Gardens is the Cathedral Church and minor Basilica known as St Patrick’s Cathedral. In 1974 Pope Paul VI conferred the title. It was visited by Pope John Paul II in 1986 during his first visit to Australia.

Continue walking down Macarthur St towards Parliament Station and at the corner of St Andrews Place are a series of rocks with replicas of prehistoric skeltons.

Continuing on to Spring St to the left then right onto Flinders St and into the city and Federation Square with its grand outlook to Flinders St station and beyond. Federation Square which was opened in 2002 is one of my favourite places in Melbourne.

Large screen T.V.’s and a stage make Federation Square a meeting place. A life sized statue of Fearless Girl by the original sculptor Kristen Visbal was unveiled at Federation Square ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8 2019. The original statue by Kristen Visbal was erected facing down the charging bull in New York’s financial district in 2017.

Walking towards the steps that lead down to the Yarra there are a variety of unique decorative tiles. Turning to the right along the Yarra the path passes the Princes Bridge.

Princes Bridge was opened in 1888 and material for the bridge consisted of bluestone quarried from Footscray, granite from Harcourt and malmsbury stones from Kyenton.

Continuing onto Swanston St and to the iconic Flinders St Station. The original part of the station was opened in 1854. Because of its distinctive dome structure there is an urban myth that says the original plans for the station were accidentally swapped with a design meant for Bombay in India. I’ll meet you under the clocks is a common expression for people meeting in the city because of the row of timetable clocks above the entrance.

to the left down Flinders St again and work on the new metro underground has exposed remnants of the older city.

through Flinders St underground to cross the Yarra on Sandridge Bridge. It has its’ own unique history being a link between the city and Port Melbourne where thousands of immigrants arrived. It was built in 1888 and was the first steel bridge over the Yarra. There are now 10 unique sculptures along the city side of the bridge representing the different periods of migration to Australia. There are also 128 glass screens each which document information of the countries of origin of our immigrants. A fascinating way to look at history.

Continuing along the Yarra and Southbank the path passes the Crown Casino. The South Wharf Walk continues past the Convention Center and the Polly Woodside and to the DFO building. For my ride home I continue under the myriad of on and off ramps of the West Gate Bridge to Boundary Rd in Port Melbourne. For my walk today approx 15 K.

Since returning from Queensland a lot has happened. Two biggies really. Of course THE PANDEMIC and my retirement.

In middle March on arriving back to work I had a sore throat. Not unusual for me but because I had taken two flights from Queensland stopping over just briefly in Sydney, my workplace wanted me to take two weeks leave – just to make sure. At that time it was very difficult to get tested so I self isolated at home. It wasn’t too bad as I had a yard and plenty of room to move. With WiFi, TV, Netflix and plenty of travel books it was a nice down time. By the time I went back to work, the country was in lock down. The library was operating but closed to the public. We washed and sanitized our hands till they sparkled and socially distanced at all times and work continued. We began a click and collect service. As restrictions tightened the library ceased the click and collect and introduced postal delivery. Packing the book orders was a huge amount of work for us but we were still working. It was during this time that voluntary redundancies were offered and so I took one. On July 3 I joined the ranks of the unemployed. It had always been my goal to travel overseas once I retired so that being out I realized that travel within Australia was my only option. I was eager to visit family and my brand new grandson Leo in Queensland. Then Queensland closed its border as did S.A. and W.A. and my world and options became smaller still. Within a matter of what seemed like moments my travel world shrunk again as Melbourne was placed into stage 4 lock down. Not only could I not leave Melbourne I was confined to within a 5 kilometre radius of home and allowed out for one hour daily to exercise. No complaints though, I am well and eventually the country and the rest of the world will slowly open up again.

I was reminded through a FB memory that it was 1 year ago that David and I began our Camino Frances walk. How the world has changed since then.

It is not as though I have been completely shackled to home. I could still indulge in my favourite pastime of walking though at times it has been limited. So here are a selection of short walks around Melbourne before and during the various stages of restrictions.

Thornbury to City

One of my favourite walks from Thornbury is walking into the city and it would be remiss of me to treat High St just as a way of getting from Point A to B. I never tire of walking this street. So starting at the corner of Darebin Rd and High St Thornbury the first landmark we come to is the Welcome to Thornbury. On the car park wall facing towards the city is a beautiful mural.

Along High St the mix of the old and the new is everywhere. Ground floors have been renovated with the upper floors sometimes neglected but retaining old world charm. Busy footpath cafes restrict easy walking and on weekends patrons sit enjoying a leisurely brunch with dogs at their feet.

At Ruckers Hill Lookout in Westgarth I love the view of the city with the brick chimneys of the houses standing tall and proud in image of the buildings behind. And another reminder of the way things were.

On entering Clifton Hill at the Bridge over the Merri Creek High St becomes Queens Parade. With the recent rains the creek water has become muddy and fast flowing.

This is the first part of my walk to Clifton Hill. From here there are a variety of ways into the city and a huge variety of destinations.

Clifton Hill Railway Station

Clifton Hill Railway Station never fails to bring a smile to my face. I realised that I had lost my Myki Card. It was a registered card and after checking online I realised that someone from Hoppers Crossing had found my card and was using it. I changed it to lost and because it was registered I could get it replaced at a Myki Hub. I was walking into the city the next day and decided I would take a very small detour to the Clifton Hill Railway Station and replace it there.

It was a very warm day and after 3 K’s of very fast walking I arrived at the station in huff and puff mode and to put it nicely perspiring profusely. I stood at the little ticket window and to explain the reason for my condition I told the little portly man that I had just walked from Thornbury and that puff puff I would like to replace my lost myki card. We don’t do that here he stated brusquely and walked off. Oh I stated to his retreating back, I read online that I could do it at a Myki hub. He didn’t turn back.

A tall dark slim younger man replaced the older man at the window. He smiled warmly at me and told me that they weren’t a hub and that there was a hub at Southern Cross Station. Oh Ok I thanked him and told him I would go to Southern Cross now and get it. You will need a Myki Card to get into the city he told me helpfully. That’s Ok I explained I’ll walk, I already have four cards at home I don’t need another one. His smile remained. I’ll give you a card with enough money on it to get you to the city and he continued to smile. I hesitated, I had planned to walk anyway but he was so nice and trying to be so helpful. I remembered what David had said once. If someone offers you their seat on the train or tram don’t refuse because they might not offer it to the next person who really needs it. With that logic in mind I graciously accepted his offer. He also turned a thumbs down for the Clifton Hill Station into a big thumbs up.

Lunch at a cafe with calming views and great company.

It was a gentle day weather wise as we walked around Urangan Harbour. The yachts in the marina with their spindly masts idly pointing seaward gave a luxury feel to the day.

Walking out along the Harbour Rock Wall, a cool breeze now nudged us along. Lying about 6 kilometers to our right Big Woody Island sat between us and Fraser Island. It could be seen easily in the hazy distance.

At the end of the Harbour Rock Wall we were surprised to see a beautiful marble statue of a man, looking out to sea. Saint Peter, the patron saint of netmakers, shipbuilders and fisherman looks out over the waters towards the horizon. On the front side of Saint Peter’s podium is a plaque in memory of fishermen who were lost at sea and on the reverse side a plaque in memory of fishermen who perished at sea.

A two kilometre walk down Miller St from the Hervey Bay Boat Club is the Botanical Gardens. A large peaceful area that includes a Bush Tucker Garden. There is also a small lake filled with many turtles. It was easy to see that the sign stating not to feed the turtles was being ignored. The turtles swam towards us with mouths open. As we were leaving a family of five arrived with bread in hand that they shared with the boys to feed the turtles.

At the end of the day a nice meal at a nice restaurant and an evening stroll.

At eight in the morning there was still a slight chill in the air as I was dropped off in Maryborough. There not being a lot open at that time I made my way to Queens Park. It was a beautifully kept area on the Mary River. At the front of the park a large war memorial area which was quite extensive and unique. There was a life sized statue of a lone soldier standing in a vast arena. The soldier was Lieutenant Duncan Chapman who was born in Maryborough in 1888 and was the first Anzac ashore at Gallipoli. He died a Major in 1916 at Pozieres France.

Behind the lone soldier is the story of the first world war on a walkway along a sheltered footpath. It winds its way down past a woman reading a letter from her son who is fighting on the western front, we pass another soldier the history of Charles Bean and the reason he instigated the National War Memorial in Canberra then on down to the original monument.

The Queens garden is extensive. Continuing on I walked around a 120 year old Banyan tree

Past the replica headstone of Charles Bidwell a botanist who lived at Tinana which is now a suburb of Maryborough from 1847 until his death in 1953. He discovered many new species of plant and as a result had several named after him. He died as a result of being lost in the bush while surveying a road from Wide Bay to Morten Bay.

At the back of the park a lily pond with a waterfall

Walking above the Mary River in the Queens Gardens. The Mary River has the traditional name of Moocooboola and was originally called the Wide Bay River. It was renamed the Mary River in 1847 by governor FitzRoy after his wife Lady Mary Lennox. Marlborough’s name came from the river when it was founded in 1847. During the second half of the 19th-century, the city was a major port of entry for immigrants arriving in Queensland from all parts of the world.

At nine I walked into the information Center in the old town hall. Luckily I had arrived just as a free walking tour was about to begin. The tours are held daily at 9 except for Sunday’s. For an hour and a half Carmen led us on a fascinating voyage through Maryborough’s past.

Carmen led us through flood levels – the bottom of the 32 being my head height

With stories of old cannons being fired at 1 every day to let workers know it was time to stop for lunch

and past old buildings. Thank you Carmen you are a real treasure.

After the tour I crossed at the lights to the Mary Poppins statue outside the renovated Australian Joint Stock Bank . The living quarters above the bank is where Helen Lyndon Goff aka Pamela Lyndon Travers was born.

The bank is a recently opened P L Travers / Mary Poppins museum.. I paid my $10 and spent a fascinating hour there.

It was simple but entertaining. P L. Travers sitting in a corner reading.

The bird lady

And the Captain.

After lunch with Jarrod I walked around town trying to find the 36 murals. I found several but that was it. This beautiful one is one of them

and this is another. It led me to finding out some fascinating information about the benefactor of the Archibald prize. He wasn’t a native of Maryborough but he spent some time working here and for a Maryborough company. His real name was John Feltham Archibald. He was the cofounder of the Bulletin Newspaper.

Now that’s a job with a difference